Revenue Recognition - Significant Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract balances, liability	$ 14,335	$ 12,864
Loyalty program liability [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract balances, liability	8,786	8,822
Air traffic liability [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract balances, liability	5,549	4,042
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract balances, liability	14,335	12,864
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Loyalty program liability [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract balances, liability	8,786	8,822
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Air traffic liability [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract balances, liability	$ 5,549	$ 4,042